Lieutenant John Ellsworth Retires from Law Enforcement After 41 years of Service

Posted: 4/15/2014 12:00 AM

On Friday, April 11th, 2014 Lieutenant John Ellsworth retired from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office after working over 41 years in Public Safety/Law Enforcement.

John started the pathway of his career in 1973 as a Law Enforcement Specialist in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Whiteman AFB, 352st Security Police Squadron.

After receiving an Honorable discharge, John was employed as a Correction Service Officer and worked at the Arizona State Prison in Florence.

In 1978, he was hired as a police officer by the City of Casa Grande and worked there for 20 years, honorably retiring in 1998 at the rank of sergeant. John served in a wide variety of functions including patrol, detective, Special Enforcement Unit detective, Undercover Narcotics detective with the Pinal County Narcotics Task Force, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant and administrative sergeant in the Office of Chief.

After retiring from the Casa Grande Police Department, John went back to work for the Arizona Department of Corrections as a criminal investigator in their Criminal Investigations Unit. Following the attack on our nation September 11, 2001, John applied to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office having the belief it was important to better serve the Pinal County community. He was hired one month later starting out as a deputy in Arizona City. John soon tested for a detective position and was transferred to the PCSO Homicide Unit. He was promoted by then Sheriff Vanderpool to the rank of corporal where he initially served as the first line supervisor of the homicide team. John then served tours as a corporal in patrol and the Professional Standards Unit (Internal Affairs) before being promoted to sergeant by then Sheriff Vasquez.

He served as a patrol sergeant in the greater Casa Grande area until being promoted to lieutenant by Sheriff Paul Babeu. John commanded a Patrol Region in the Saddle Brooke, Oracle, San Manuel area, before being transferred to Criminal Investigations where he served as Operations Commander overseeing the Robbery/Homicide, Persons, Property and Victim Services Units.

John attributes his success to the support of his family, too many mentors to name and a strong core value belief system of Integrity, Excellence and Service.

Lieutenant John Ellsworth stated, "I've committed my entire life to serve and protect Casa Grande families. It's been my sincere privilege to service our country in the military and to enjoy a rewarding career in law enforcement."

Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, "John Ellsworth is an exceptional leader, who has loyally and professionally served our community. John has worked with and promoted under three Sheriffs - that in itself shows his ability and the respect John commands from everyone he serves with. John is a military veteran like myself and he's always fair and thoughtful in his decision making."

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